By Scott Shephard

It is a testament to good teaching and, perhaps, a receptive mind, that a person can remember a specific lesson taught in school 55 years ago. I was 7 or 8 years old when I learned about vanishing points. The teacher was Hazel Olsen, who I thought was fascinating in part because I thought she was more than half crazy.

Today, I realize that her "craziness" was really just effusive and unabashed passion for what she taught. She loved art and, I think, she loved her students. What a great combination!

I'll likely never know if this photo means much to you. But to me it is evocative. It speaks of late summer. It suggests the mystery of the open road and where that road might lead. It also reminds me of geometry and of the optical illusion presented in photos. (That's what vanishing points really are.) But most of all, it reminds me of one of my favorite teachers and the impact she had on the way I see my world. I'm a little late saying it but, "Thank you Hazel Olsen."

Phantom 4 Pro FC6310 1/320s f/6.3 ISO100 8.8mm (35mm eq:24mm)